Stephen King Prequel Series It: Welcome to Derry Climbs Global Streaming Charts
One year after its debut, the television prequel based on Stephen King's famous novel has surged into the top 10 streaming charts globally.
Published 2 November 2026
A Surprising Global Streaming Resurgence
Nearly a year after concluding its gripping freshman season, the horror television prequel inspired by Stephen King's literary universe has re-emerged as a major force on digital platforms. Despite skepticism that often accompanies franchise expansions, this chilling series has captured audience attention worldwide without simply recycling past scares.
The show currently occupies the number six spot on both United States and international streaming charts. This sudden spike in viewership follows a recent season renewal announcement and a special Halloween episode rollout.
Setting the Stage in 1962 Derry
Titled It: Welcome to Derry, the program serves as an official precursor to the theatrical film adaptations released in 2017 and 2019, which draw from King's extensive 1986 novel. The narrative transports audiences back to 1962 as bizarre tragedies begin plaguing the local township.
A group of children starts digging into the unexplained deaths while newcomers Major Leroy Hanlon, his wife Charlotte, and their son Will discover a malevolent entity residing within the municipal drainage system.
Creative Leadership and Literary Ties
The project was brought to life by filmmaker Andy Muschietti, producer Barbara Muschietti, and writer Jason Fuchs, utilizing background elements and interludes found within the original source material. While the terrifying villain Pennywise serves as a direct link, the television narrative also incorporates broader connections to the author's wider fictional universe.
Notably, chef Dick Halloran from The Shining plays a significant part in the plot, showcasing his psychic abilities and tying different corners of King's literary creations together.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
Upon its initial premiere, the project drew praise from critics who lauded the strong ensemble cast and Bill Skarsgård's chilling return as the iconic shape-shifting clown. Reviewers also commended the uncompromising and graphic tone maintained throughout the episodes.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the show currently maintains an 81 percent critical approval rating alongside an 82 percent audience score, reflecting sustained enthusiasm from horror enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead to Season 2
Following months of anticipation after its initial run, Warner Bros. officially granted the program a second season renewal in August 2026. While an exact premiere date remains unannounced, showrunners have revealed ambitious plans for the upcoming episodes.
The narrative will reportedly shift even further back in time to 1935 during the Great Depression. The plot will focus on the violent massacre of the Bradley Gang, a notorious group of bank robbers who meet an unimaginably terrifying fate when passing through Derry.
Production Team Updates
Brad Caleb Kane is slated to return as the sole showrunner for the upcoming sophomore chapter. Additionally, creative expansion is underway with the inclusion of Ethan King, the author's grandson, joining the writing staff for the new season.
With deep roots in the original mythology and fresh historical settings on the horizon, the series continues to expand the boundaries of televised horror.
News Overview
The television prequel It: Welcome to Derry has climbed into the top ten streaming charts globally one year after its initial release. Backed by a recent season renewal and a special Halloween episode, the horror series will explore 1935 during its upcoming second season under returning showrunner Brad Caleb Kane.
Key facts
- It: Welcome to Derry is an 8-episode Stephen King thriller series.
- The series takes place in 1962.
- It holds an 81% critics score and an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The show ranks at No. 6 in U.S. and global streaming charts.
- Season 2 was officially renewed in August 2026.
- Season 2 will take place in 1935 during the Great Depression.
- Brad Caleb Kane is the sole showrunner for Season 2.